"One point is not enough when you are the circumstances that we are in. In a game like that you have to win and we were disappointed, but of course the fans have seen a match where we have scored three goals."

Defeat to United's traditional rivals would maybe push Van Gaal closer to the Old Trafford exit door and the Dutchman acknowledged a more determined display will be necessary to take the points from Anfield.

"I have felt it (the rivalry) already four times, on the tour of the USA and in the league. You can see it on the faces of the players.

"We need to be aggressive but also under control. It is that kind of match and it will always be difficult because the passion at play in these kinds of games is always very high."